COLTON -- Tiny needlework requires close individual attention to detail, yet the people who quilt together still find many ways to form bonds through conversation, guild activities, pride in their creations, and a sense of accomplishment. Local area members of the Borderline Quilters, Inc. are prime examples of that kind of bond.

The Borderline Quilting Guild recently loaned quilt racks and Somebody Cares Quilts for use in the mid-July performances of “I Do! I Do! I Do! I Do!” in the Colton-Pierrepont Central School auditorium. Shows are slated for July 21 and 22 at 2 p.m. and Sunday, July 24 at 7 p.m.

The musical is an activity sponsored by the Sunday Rock Legacy Project, and the three performances will feature the colors, comfort, and traditional designs made by the Borderline Quilters, Inc. Borderline Quilters’ members meet monthly to piece, quilt and bind quilts to be given away to those in need of a little cheer due to illness, fire or other tragedy. Much of the fabric used in these quilts is donated to the guild. Although some of the quilts have been sent to major disaster areas, most of the quilts go to local causes.

The SRLP is using the theme “The Fabric of Our Lives” as its theme this year, and research into the history of quilting in the Colton area is this year’s historical focus.

While the history of quilting goes back to ancient times, in America many quilts evolved into the art forms they are today from the traditional patterns developed in the 1800s using hand sewing and treadle machines. Today’s modern quilting technology still includes lots of hand sewing but that is complemented with rotary cutters, grid-ruled mats, and sophisticated electric sewing machines. Barn quilts – patterns painted on wood and designed for public display – are another more recent form of quilting that is taking the Town of Colton by storm.

The women who began the Borderline Quilters in 1993 decided to form a guild instead of a club because “a guild is a legally organized group with a community-service component.“ Group quilts are still made by the guild and are used for fundraising for Renewal House and the Potsdam Humane Society. Group quilts also include Quilts for Kids for distribution by county agencies to youngsters in need, the Somebody Cares Sew Project for people in emergency situations as well as Quilts of Valor for Military for personnel assigned to Fort Drum.

Quilting is popular in Colton. Besides the local members of the Borderline Quilters, Inc., the Colton Methodist Church women and South of the Rock Quilters, there are also individuals who quilt. Historically individual quilters in the town have included two men. There is even a family of five generations of quilters – the Rexford family. According to historic researcher Mary Jane Watson. “Judy Rexford is known to take ugly, donated fabric, fit it together, and the result is a beautiful quilt.”